UPDATE: Two U.S. organizations have issued statements in support of the Right to E-Read campaign.
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The Right to E-Read Day and the The Right to E-Read campaign are being organized by EBLIDA (European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations).
From the EBLIDA Web Site:
The Right to e-Read is a Europe-wide campaign that aims to raise awareness among the general public, librarians and policy makers about the difficulties currently faced by libraries with regard to access to e-books and digital content. The campaign also raises awareness about the need for change of the copyright framework.
Almost 100 Million Europeans (20% of the population) have used a library in the past 12 months and libraries play a vital role in building literacy skills and providing access to information and reading to build a knowledgeable, informed and connected society.
The fact that many e-books are not accessible through libraries means that this source of information, knowledge and ideas is cut off from families, communities and businesses.
Libraries should be able to lend e-books as they do printed books.
What The Campaign is Asking For
- Libraries to provide library users with the latest e-books as they do printed book!
- Libraries to buy e-books at fair prices and on reasonable terms!
- Authors to receive fair payment for the lending of e-books as they do for printed books by extending Public Lending Right to include the loan of e-books by public libraries!
- All citizens – not just those who can afford it – to benefit from free access to e-books in public libraries!
Formal Statement
An E-Book Policy For Libraries in Europe: The Right To E-Read by LJ’s infoDOCKET
See Also: EBLIDA Task Force on Ebooks
About Gary Price
